Clarets fall to first league defeat of season

Burnley Women fell to their first league defeat of the 2023/24 season at the 11th time of asking, losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest at a brisk Grange Park.

Head Coach Rebecca Sawiuk reverted to the eleven that started our last Northern Premier Division of the Women’s National League outing against Wolves, barring one change – Rhema Lord-Mears for Bella Reidford.

Millie Ravening had the first chance of note, heading over an Amaya cross with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Forest were creating opportunities of their own without over-working Kirstie Levell, and the Clarets goalkeeper held two shots from range comfortably.

Burnley were forced into two first-half changes through injury but almost broke the deadlock through Ravening, but the midfielder stabbed narrowly wide after Leah Embley’s tenacity regained possession.

The opener came on 57 minutes, when Alice Keitley latched onto Sophie Domingo’s threaded pass to round Levell and finish high.

The Clarets quickly re-grouped and forced back-to-back openings of their own, with substitute Lizzy Hamer working Emily Batty from range and Amaya shooting narrowly over.              

More changes followed for both teams as the Clarets searched for an equaliser, but Forest doubled their advantage in the fourth minute of added time through Mai Moncaster.

Substitute Ginny lackey later finished well for her first Clarets goal but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat, which sees Forest leapfrog Burnley into second in the table with 27 points compared to Burnley’s 26. The Midlanders have, however, played a game more.

Next up is a home match against league leaders Newcastle United at the County Ground in Leyland on Sunday 11th February. Find out more about Mike Garlick Burnley Football Club here.